A TEAM of six Ardlair School of Dancing students recently joined more than 200 competitors from across Australia and New Zealand at the International Highland Dancing Festival of Australia.
The young team, aged 9 to 13 years, performed outstandingly well in their age and ability groups, receiving many compliments and messages of support for their continuing improvement.
The four-day festival included two days of national level competition, in addition to choreography events and workshops with international tutors.
Highlights of the event included performances by Lachy Gillespie and Anthony Field from the Wiggles, as well as at the Ceilidh celebration at the end of the festival.
“Our dancers were just fabulous,” Ardlair principal teacher Lisa Barker said.
“Their dancing ability and competition results continue to positively improve.
“Each dancer performed to their best and continue to have their eyes on further improvements and achievements in the future.”
Key results
Rachael Thwaites: Pre-Premier Intermediate 7-10 years aggregate and Kyle Marston Trophy Highland Fling.
Aidan Salmon: Ray Downs Champion Boy.
Championship of Australia Highland Competition.
Kyra Hamilton: One bronze, two fourth placings, sixth place – novice 11 to 12 years.
Keeley McGregor: One fourth, three sixth place, Restricted Premier and Pre-Championship 13 to 15 years.
Aidan Salmon: One first, two second, two third, one fourth, one fifth – intermediate 7 to 10 years.
Amelie Salmon: Encouraging personal best performances in new premier section 13 to 15 years.
Tilly Salmon: Two firsts, two seconds, two third – Intermediate 11 to 12 years.
Rachael Thwaites: Nine gold, two silver, first overall – Intermediate 7 to 10 years.
